Job Specification

Purpose of Position :

- To plan and coordinate the implementation of media communication strategies designed to inform and promote HHP programs and special events.
-To coordinate and serve as the key communication contact for the development and implementation of content on the HHP web sites, and participate in related development projects in support of HHP web sites and new media programs and initiatives.
-To serve as a communications adviser, writer, editor and coordinator for the production of a range of consumer and corporate publications, product development initiatives, and attraction signage.

Duties / Responsibilities :

-Coordinates the development, research, writing, editing and currency of web site and new media content as required, and to advise senior management on the most effective strategies for web site and new media development in accordance with Ontario government standards, policies and
guidelines.
-Monitors the content of web sites and identifies information that needs to be updated or brought into compliance with government legislation, policies and guidelines, and ensures content is available in both English and French and that information provided is equivalent.
-Monitors web site usage and new media activity and conducts analysis of usage trends and user feedback to identify information gaps and areas for service improvement, and coordinates changes and their implementation (i.e. new links, missing services, new pages required, Search Engine Optimization).
-Monitors regional and provincial tourism stakeholder, Destination Marketing Organization, and municipal/provincial government web sites and new media content for promotion of HHP attractions, programs, special events and product development opportunities.
-Coordinate communications received through the web site by responding to feedback regarding web content, reviews and resolves email queries, forwards program specific enquiries for response.
-Monitors trends and technological developments for web sites and new media in order to evaluate and make recommendations to senior management on any technical, visual or multi-media improvements.
-Provides advice and guidance on the most effective new media strategies for communications and HHP promotion; utilizes social media network interface to provide targeted attraction event and program updates and messaging.
-Works with IT specialists to ensure coordination and compatibility of content development and technical site development; participates in web site design and re-design work; develops content and maintains currency.
-Generates and tracks unpaid media coverage by developing accurate content, coordinating and writing media products for specific seasonal, programming and special event target audiences.
-Participates in the delivery of short and long term communication and media plans and strategies for HHP by assessing communications requirements to support HHP programs and special events and ministry initiatives, proposing strategies and identifying opportunities for effective communication and
promotion of the attractions.
-Establishing the annual publication and signage needs of HHP in collaboration with program areas; providing advice on the best format in which information should be provided, e.g. hard copy or electronic; signage substrate, editing materials for plain language, clarity and suitability for the specific
audiences. Coordinating the production of consumer and corporate publications and signage ensuring compliance with the government's visual identity standards and the Accessibility for Ontarians with Disabilities Act and French Language Services Act.
-Liaising with suppliers of graphic design, signage and printing and various technology services to determine costs associated with production; work with support staff to provide scope of work and accurate specifications on procurement documentation for securing external vendors, ensure
procurement processes are followed in accordance with government standards and procurement rules. Participates in evaluating proposals with support staff, monitors vendor performance, overseeing production to deadline, addressing any issues related to meeting contract provisions, quality issues and delays. Checks accuracy of invoices for Manager's approval/signature.
-Providing research, writing, reviewing and editing support and assistance to other communications products and section/branch colleagues (e.g. greeting remarks, correspondence, presentations, information notes, backgrounders, formal grant proposals, developing business cases, etc.), ensuring
effective messaging for the delivery of communication products for HHP.
-Supports the creation, planning and implementation of special events and promotional opportunities from concept to completion to generate increased awareness, attract new visitors and add new market segments.
-Supports unit and HHP off-site consumer, trade and media events and shows as needed
-Manager, Marketing and Visitor Services has the right to assign additional responsibilities to support unit and branch goals.

Staffing and Licensing :

N/A

Knowledge :

-Knowledge of contemporary communications theory, techniques, methods and practices, editing and plain language principles and familiarity with media and communications basics to research, write and edit news releases, reports, communications products and business cases, produced to meet
quality standards, which are consistent and in plain language for their intended audience.
-Knowledge of and demonstrated ability in journalism, public relations and corporate communications in the government to provide quality advice and be able to provide writing back up support to unit/branch colleagues and projects.
-Sound technical knowledge of web site page design and layout methods, standards, best practices and trends, text editors, word processing tools, and graphic image editing software (i.e., MS Office Suite; Adobe Creative Suite; Corel Draw); and new media platforms (i.e., Twitter, YouTube, Facebook,
Flickr, TripAdvisor).
-Knowledge of production (print, signage and electronic), electronic methods of distribution, information transmission, layout, and printing and sign production processes to provide advice, editorial, content and planning support to program areas through the development and production of communications products. Knowledge of government policies, directives, guidelines and procedures related to purchasing/procurement, contract administration, publishing, distribution and internet requirements to manage the production/distribution of HHP communication products for public release, electronically and in print.
-Knowledge of personal computers, shared and personal drives and files storage, (both electronic and hard copy) internet and a variety of software applications as above to create and edit communication materials, use internet and e-mail.

Skills :

-Strong creative and conceptual capacities to recommend and determine innovative approaches for promotion of HHP program and special event correspondence to write/edit material that 'tells the story' in a convincing and readily understood format.
-Strong writing and public relations skills to write and/or edit materials that conveys intended messages and expresses HHP attractions experiences in plain language while maintaining accuracy and an appreciation of intended audiences.
-Initiative and creativity skills to develop content for traditional and new media channels, which is unique and resonates with consumers to drive attendance.
-Superior interpersonal skills in collaborating and responding to media enquiries, live broadcasts, HHP and tourism stakeholder driven initiatives and special events.
-Analytical and problem solving skills to ensure that publication materials meet legislative/policies requirements (e.g. accessibility, visual identity, French Languages, privacy).
-To assess impacts of new technology and developments in printing, signage and on-line media and apply to development of HHP consumer and corporate products and messaging.
-Demonstrated experience in negotiating deadlines/deliverables. Project management skills to manage communications projects, including writing/editorial support, product development, and selection of service providers, monitoring expenditures and resolving production and/or quality issues.
-Planning, organization and coordination skills to provide planning support to program areas and special events and meet required timelines for the production/distribution of all HHP communication products.
-Strong oral communications, customer service, consulting and relationship building skills to develop and maintain a broad network of media, community and business contacts to support HHP program and special event development and implementation.
-Ability to carry out financial calculations, in order to estimate production costs and keep expenses within approved budget allocations.
-Organizational and multi-tasking skills to handle multiple projects simultaneously under tight time pressures and demands, and conflicting priorities with limited control over pace of work.
-Ability to perform with frequent changes in work demands on short notice to respond to web site and consumer and corporate communication updates, changes and emergencies.
-Ability to work in a team environment to ensure HHP corporate and ministry goals are met.

Freedom of Action :

Job works under general direction of the Manager, Marketing and Visitor Services and has access to technical direction for resolution of problems.
Work is performed within OPS/ministry policies, corporate communications guidelines and standards, directives related to recognized publication production practices and priorities and within recognized writing/communication principles, techniques and protocols.
Job exercises latitude to make decisions such as estimating costs, time lines, need for external approach for materials or productions; recommending scope of work for procurement documentation; for resolving production problems (e.g. re-arranging schedules/activities).
Job consults with program areas to develop communication plans, project manages implementation of communication plans, including negotiating/liaising between clients and service providers on production/time lines and addressing production problems which seriously impact contractual obligations and deadlines. Job keeps clients informed of status/progress.
Work is reviewed by program areas for accuracy of content and Manager of Marketing and Visitor Services for alignment with consumer and corporate communications messages and standards. Work is reviewed by the manager through updates of activities and presentation of communication and
media plans and related projects and is assessed for adherence to ministry communication strategies and standards.
Flexible working schedule to support media and outreach opportunities and operational needs associated with a seven day a week tourist attractions.
Errors such as lack of accuracy or miscommunication of branch on-line, consumer and corporate communication materials could result in delays to communications strategies and damage to the branch integrity.
Job refers problems such as significant production delays, competing interest between client and communication strategies, lack of compliance with Accessibility for Ontarians with Disabilities Act and French Language Services Act to the Manager, Marketing and Visitor Services.